Sunday, December 26, 2010

This has been an interesting year. Lots of ups and downs along the way. I have much to be thankful for even with the bad. With the new year, quickly approaching, I've been reflecting on all that my family and myself have dealt with this year, and all the great strides in the right direction for myself. Below is a recap.

My mother's breast cancer, mastectomy and recovery.

My father's tumors in his lungs and his treatment.

My father's slow decline in health and stamina from emphysema.

Finishing up projects at the old place to get it on the market.

Completing my Web Design Certificate.

Becoming employed after nearly two years.

Being invited to many events and parties.

Making new friends and reconnecting with old ones.

Standing at a total lose of 80 pounds. Down from 270 to 190.

Having my goal weight of 175 pounds within reach.

Finally having money once again.

And the biggest, best thing is all my blogger buddies who encouraged me, and witnessed the progression from down trodden misfit to employed social butterfly. I would not have believed so much was possible to pack into a year. Next year will find it hard to top all of this. I look forward the New Year with much optimism and careful planning as I can muster. I'm anxious to see what it hold in store.

Friday, December 17, 2010

Sunday, December 12, 2010

I had a great time with new and old friends at the Christmas party last night. The house is outstanding and decorated to the hilt for the holidays. The food was yummy. But the people, oh the people, were fabulous! This little group has quickly accepted me as their own this year. They have got to be some of the kindest, sweetest people in these parts. I met all of them for the first time at the toga party this summer, except Bart, whom I've known for 20 years and reconnected with through Facebook. (Pictured with me above)

These events make me both happy and sad. Happy because they are so many wonderful people still around and new ones to meet. Sad, for all the ones I've lost over the years, with only memories and no photos to recall the good old days. Mixed blessings and such, I'm still fortunate, regardless of what circumstance I find myself in. It does get better.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

My great aunt has fractured her hip in a fall this morning. My cousin (her son) will undoubtedly have to make a decision as to place her in facility when she is released. Quite honestly, he has been a horrible son. He rarely does anything for her. Has access to her bank accounts, which he promptly uses for his own purposes, leaving her near broke. My mother, bless her heart, takes her to all the doctors appointments, to the meeting with social services for her VA benefits and social security dealings. Not him. She even does her laundry and makes sure she gets to church on Sundays and other church functions. Not him, though he attends the same church service and passes her house to get there. He even drives her car, while she maintains it. It is really quite sad and infuriating. I'm afraid this may end the same as my grandfather. She is not as resilient as he was. I hope he can live with himself.

In other sad news today, my uncle, my father's youngest brother was rushed to the hospital last night, unable to breathe. He has the same problem my father does. He is currently using a breathing tube. My father has felt too bad to even visit yet. One of my aunts stayed with him last night till 2am. Where his daughter, son in law or grandchildren are at is beyond me. He had part of his jaw removed years ago because of cancer and has used a feeding tube since. He is in bad shape, even before this happened. My father fears the worse. This will be the beginning of the end for him.

It is deeply disturbing when these things happen to family members. More disturbing to see how their immediate family members respond (or not). My parents have helped both of these relatives immensely over the years when needed. It makes me angry. As long as there is a breath left in me, it will never happen to my parents, sister or her family. That I can swear to.

Dan and Willie (from the Holiday of Giving party) called to invite me out for drinks as they were in town for dinner with Willie's mom on Saturday night. I almost declined since I had been at work and was wore out. I decided to go since I doubted I would see them before Christmas. I'm glad I did! It was great seeing them. It was fabulous to run into an old friend I haven't seen in about 20 years! That is Scott and I in the pic above. I asked a friend to use his camera phone and email it to me. I worked with him at the first job I had in high school. Our paths crossed for several years afterward, till he moved to Florida. It was so great to see him. I was gobsmacked. We chatted and got caught up on lots of goings on. I even called my crush who was a mutual friend and coworker from back in the day. (Atlas, he wasn't able to join us on such short notice, so late at night, but he seemed ok with me calling him.) Scott told me that he appreciated the little comments, chats and pokes on Facebook. It helped him overcome the loneliness he was feeling after being diagnosed with HIV. (Number 8 of my friends.) He is doing well and just about to finish up his PHD in Criminology. I'm proud of him. I wish he were closer.

Friday, December 3, 2010

We have a new department manager. She seems to be pissing off everyone in the department, except for me so far. She has managed to rub several people the wrong way with her lack of social skills and tact. From what I understand, more than one employee has complained to the store manager about her already and she just started Monday! I'm surprised that some of the ones complaining are the ones that can get along with anybody and never says an unkind word. I only talked with her briefly for the first time yesterday. She seems to know jewelry very well and said nothing remotely rude like I've been hearing from others. I actually called in sick today with an upset stomach, and she was very pleasant and understanding, wished me well, etc. It seems as though the ones she is having issues with are the women thus far. Of course there are only a couple of guys in her area, the rest are women. Who knows what is going on. I'll worry about it when it directly affects me or I'm present for an episode.

I had decided against pursuing the position at this time. My mother told me that my father has stage 4 emphysema so I'm hesitate to take on more responsibility given the uncertainty with his health. He is now on oxygen all most all of the time he is at home and uses his inhaler often. It won't get any better sadly. My mother expressed her concern that he may not be here for next Christmas. That worries me too. Despite the fact that I know my parents will not live forever, it still feels like a punch in the gut to hear it spoken aloud. I guess I can only be there anyway I can for them and do what I can. I can't worry about the future or things I can't change. I can only deal with the here and now. That is more than enough.

counter

Disclaimer :

Most of the photographs on this blog do not belong to me. If you are the owner and would like for me to give you credit or remove them, please send me an email. I will gladly do so. (I do try to remember from whence they came.)